Acceptance of building works: what reservations should you record before signing?

# Acceptance of building works: what reservations should you record before signing? A useful reservation identifies a specific defect, its location and the requested next step. Before signing acceptance of building works, gather the contract, observations and photographs, then clarify the corrections and their follow-up. 'Finishes to be reviewed' does not allow a problem to be located or its correction checked. ## What should you check in your contract? Acceptance is the act by which you accept the works, with or without reservations. The [FPS Economy explains the effects of provisional acceptance](https://economie.fgov.be/fr/themes/protection-des-consommateurs/faire-construire/loi-breyne/reception-provisoire-des): many contracts treat it as approval of the works regarding apparent defects. Read the clause before the visit. Gather the accepted quotation, its amendments, plans and material references. Have the arrangements for acceptance and payment and each participant's role clarified. Depending on the complexity of the works, ask your architect to accompany you or request a quotation from an independent expert for this visit. Do not automatically apply the Breyne Law to your renovation. The [FPS clarifies its scope](https://economie.fgov.be/fr/themes/protection-des-consommateurs/faire-construire/loi-breyne), including the exclusion of works in a home you already owned, without a transfer of ownership. Have the regime applicable to your project checked. ## How should you describe a reservation that can be checked? This documentation method is not a mandatory legal form. For each point, record: - A unique reference and a precise location: room, floor and component concerned. - The observable finding, without a diagnosis you cannot establish. - The reference to the quotation, plan or agreed sample, where one exists. - An identified photograph and an overview if necessary. - The correction or check requested, the agreed person responsible and date. Illustrative example, unrelated to any YOUHOME building project: 'Door between the hall and sitting room: the bottom of the door leaf rubs against the floor when opened. Referenced photograph attached. Correction requested to allow opening without rubbing. Method and date to be agreed with the contractor.' The observation does not presume that the door needs planing. If no solution or date is agreed, clearly state that the point remains open. A damp mark or crack requires appropriate examination: describe what you see and obtain a quotation for the necessary examination, without carrying out dangerous tests. ## What should you do if a point is disputed? Have the disagreement recorded and check that the annexes and reservations appear in the version to be signed. Keep a complete copy signed by the parties. The FPS distinguishes minor defects, which can be reserved, from major defects requiring postponement: have their seriousness assessed by the appropriate professional. Within the Breyne framework, the FPS states that refusal of acceptance must give reasons and be notified by registered letter. For your works, have the applicable formalities and deadlines checked. This record creates neither a universal period for adding reservations after signing nor an automatic right to withhold part of the price. ## How should you follow up corrections and prepare for a future sale? Keep the initial finding and add follow-up: intervention announced, intervention completed, check carried out and point still open. An announced intervention does not prove that the defect has been corrected. Before signing a general release of reservations, check each point and the scope of the document. File contracts, invoices, plans, certificates and acceptance records with the house's history. For a sale in the Province of Liège, distinguish documented works from unresolved problems. Our [guide to works to consider before selling](https://youhome.immo/journal/travaux-avant-vente-rentables/) helps with choosing interventions, separately from accepting them. ## What are the answers to frequently asked questions? ### Does every imperfection allow you to refuse acceptance? No. The seriousness of the defect and the contractual framework matter. Have disputed points examined rather than inferring an automatic refusal from your list. ### Does acceptance always start the ten-year liability period? The [FPS explains the role of approval of the works and the contract](https://economie.fgov.be/fr/themes/protection-des-consommateurs/faire-construire/loi-breyne/reception-definitive-des). The starting point does not automatically follow from the last day of work. Do not confuse this liability with insurance. ### Is a photograph enough to release a reservation? Not necessarily. Check the result with the appropriate professional, particularly where operation needs to be tested. Keep the date and result of that check. Are you preparing to sell a renovated house? You can [request your valuation report](https://youhome.immo/estimation/demande/) to put the property project in context. Acceptance of the works and technical disagreements remain matters for the appropriate professionals.